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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, OPR launch an innovative oncology treatment initiative

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Oncology Physician Resource announced today the launch of an innovative oncology treatment initiative aimed at enhancing the quality of care for patients with certain types of cancer.

2 Nov 2009

A return to the doctor's house call may aid health care reform

Dr. Peter Boling provides house calls for some of Richmond's oldest and sickest patients as a geriatrician and head of general medicine at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. The Associated Press/Richmond Times Dispatch reports that "he is on a mission: To convince Congress that the old-fashioned house call could be a fresh answer to the modern-day health care reform dilemma.

2 Nov 2009

Heart, cancer doctors get break on scheduled Medicare pay cuts

Heart and cancer doctors will get a smaller fee cut next year from Medicare, the U.S. government program for the elderly, than the Obama administration first sought in a move to shift money to family physicians," Bloomberg reports. Earlier this year, Medicare officials said they would cut 10 percent of payments for the two specialties. Now, they plan on making the reductions over four years, instead.

2 Nov 2009

Results of review by Marwood Group Advisory released by Amedisys

Amedisys, Inc., one of America's leading home health and hospice nursing companies, today released the results of a review conducted by Marwood Group Advisory, LLC (Marwood). Several months ago Amedisys engaged Marwood, one of the nation’s preeminent health care consulting firms, to provide an independent analysis of the Company’s procedures, controls, clinical infrastructure, corporate compliance processes, technology offerings and future strategies.

2 Nov 2009

Humana reports higher consolidated revenues for third quarter at $7.72 billion

Humana Inc. today reported diluted earnings per common share (EPS) for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 (3Q09) of $1.78, consistent with management’s guidance of $1.75 to $1.80. The company earned $1.09 per share for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (3Q08) which reflected $0.40 per share in realized losses primarily associated with other-than-temporary impairments in investments and sales of distressed financial institution securities.

2 Nov 2009

Women at particular risk of their primary care physicians delaying diagnosis of CKD: Study

Woman are at particular risk of their primary care physicians delaying diagnosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to a paper being presented at the American Society of Nephrology's 42nd Annual Meeting and Scientific Exposition in San Diego, California. The findings suggest that educating practitioners about CKD could increase the timely diagnosis of CKD, thereby leading to improvements in care to patients and savings in Medicare dollars.

2 Nov 2009

GOP slams House health bill, Dems face hurdles before floor votes

The political parties lined up for a weekend of political rhetoric, with Republicans slamming the House health reform bill as Democrats get ready to move the bills to the floor in the House and the Senate.

1 Nov 2009

Many details still bedevil Democrats in health reform bills

It was the usual partisan squabbling on the Sunday talk shows today, while Democrats are braced for a significant week ahead, ironing out significant differences in various health reform bills.

1 Nov 2009

CNA/NNOC protests over removal of 'Kucinich amendment' from healthcare bill

WHAT: Registered Nurses from the California Nurses Association, activist doctors from the California Physicians Alliance, school employees from the California School Employees Association, and workers and healthcare advocates from the Labor Taskforce on Guaranteed Healthcare will lead a protest Friday at the offices of U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman.

31 Oct 2009

Miami resident pleads guilty on conspiracy to defraud the Medicare program

Miami resident Daisy Martinez pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Detroit to participating in a conspiracy to defraud the Medicare program, Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Terrence Berg of the Eastern District of Michigan; Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the FBI; and Daniel R. Levinson, Inspector General of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) announced.

31 Oct 2009

Texas McAllen Hospitals violates the False Claims Act, to pay $27.5M for settling allegations

A hospital group based in McAllen, Texas, has agreed to pay the United States $27.5 million to settle claims that it violated the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Statute between 1999 and 2006, by paying illegal compensation to doctors in order to induce them to refer patients to hospitals within the group, the Justice Department announced today.

31 Oct 2009

AARP praises General Assembly for preserving critical health care program

Older adults increasingly feeling the pinch of the recession got a significant break from the Illinois General Assembly, as legislators overrode a partial veto from Gov. Quinn on Thursday, preserving a program aimed at helping Medicare beneficiaries afford prescription drugs.

31 Oct 2009

Aetna signs new expanded agreement with Sarasota Memorial Hospital

Aetna announced today that it has expanded its relationship with Sarasota Memorial Hospital by reaching agreement on a long-term contract that will provide access for Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members. This agreement marks the first time Sarasota Memorial has agreed to participate in a Medicare Advantage network plan.

31 Oct 2009

As House bill continues to stir reaction, focus turns to costs, potential amendments

Lawmakers and various groups continue to react to the House health bill, which was released Thursday and may significantly increase federal spending on health care.

31 Oct 2009

Senate confirms Benjamin as surgeon general

The Senate confirmed Alabama doctor Regina Benjamin as surgeon general Thursday night. Her confirmation, which was approved with a voice vote, comes at a critical time as the nation deals with a swine flu emergency.

30 Oct 2009

Health industry stakeholders focus on pain, not gain

Businesses, including medical device makers, insurers and pharmaceutical companies are bracing for tax and fee provisions in the House health care reform bill.

30 Oct 2009

House Democrats hail, grumble about health reform bill

News outlets detailed the House health care reform bill and reaction from members. The Congressional Budget Office estimated its net cost to be $894 billion over 10 years.

30 Oct 2009

60 Plus Association calls upon Sen. Lieberman not to support any bill which cuts Medicare

Today, the 60 Plus Association released a new TV ad targeting Senator Joe Lieberman (D-Conn.). The ad features members of our Greatest Generation begging Sen. Lieberman not to cut Medicare to pay for health care reform. The :30 second TV ad will run in conjunction with a :60 second ad that began airing on Wednesday.

30 Oct 2009

Today's opinions and editorials

The legislation on the table isn't perfect, but it's as good as anyone could reasonably have expected. History is about to be made — and everyone has to decide which side they're on (Paul Krugman, 10/29).

30 Oct 2009

Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members to benefit from agreement with WellStar Health System

Aetna and WellStar Health System of Marietta, Ga. announced today that they have reached agreement on a three-year contract that provides access for Aetna’s Medicare Advantage members to the hospital’s facilities and physicians.

30 Oct 2009